Weekending

I can't believe we are almost HALF WAY through October!! 

Ellie and I both got mild fevers on Friday so we were pretty low key and Ellie got to watch WAY more tv than normal. Luckily I was finally able to get her to take a Tylenol. We've tried the liquid stuff several times and no matter how we "shoot" it in she spits it all back out (all over her face and ears and in her hair!!) so we are trying the meltaways and she isn't a huge fan either. But with perseverance and creativity I got her to take one - well half of one!

Saturday was another low key day. The weather was crazy! The rain was coming down so hard that it looked like someone was spraying our windows with a fire hose! And I got our Halloween decor up! Now I just have to finish with all the fall decor and we should be good to go. 

I decided that I was going to participate on MOPs again this year and we made a great art project this week! Chalkboard is really everywhere these days!

On Sunday we volunteered in the church nursery and then stopped at Costco to get a few items. The grapes are always so good there and they have quickly become Ellie's favorite food! 

 

Later we planned our menu for this week. We took a couple weeks off due to crazy scheduling but are back on track. 

I was watching Giada (like I do every day) and she gave a recipe for pizza dough. I'm on the lookout for the best one so I'm excited to try it out on Thursday!

What's cooking in your kitchen?

♥ Ashley

Picture Thursday

I was so excited about finishing my pantry chalkboard for Fall last week and then realized I haven't shared it yet!

I love how it turned out!

Ashley 

{Little Things} Falltober outfits

I got a lot of inspiration from the blogosphere about embracing Fall and October ie: Falltober!! To me fall is all about scarves, boots (or FP Moccs), sweaters, and fabulous hair accessories!

There are so many outfit combinations out there and many of them I could recreate by getting a little creative with some clothes Ellie already has. I knew that having a little girl was going to be awesome and I am so glad that Ellie is walking this October so I can really get into the spirit. 

So I have embarked on a #31days of outfit posts. And if you follow me on Instagram (@lifeonthefarm) you can see them in "real time". 

Here is what Ellie has been wearing the past week!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Now this is a tradition I can really get into!!

What have you been wearing so far this Fall?

Ashley

Toddler Tuesday - Travel

Hey there ladies!!

For this weeks post I wanted to talk about traveling with a toddler. 

As you may know we went on a road trip vacation to Scotland and Ireland this summer and brought Ellie along with us. 

Before going on our trip we made adjustments to Ellie's schedule and routine to ensure that the trip wasn't going to be a total shock. We took the long way to our destinations so that Ellie would be in the car seat a little longer, we knew she would be sleeping in our bed with us while traveling so we co-slept at home, and we made sure to adjust the Ergo for optimum comfort. 

It was Ellie's first plane ride and boy did we have a marathon of a day. We actually had three plane changes, had to go through security twice and run through the airports. It was a little crazy and stressful but Ellie was a champ!

We were super lucky that Ellie wasn't really walking when we went on the trip so she was fairly content sitting during the flights. Since Ellie is under 2 we chose to not get her a seat and pay the $50 fee instead. #worthit

There were a few things we brought that we definite life savers.  We transferred her diaper bag contents into a backpack - which made it so much easier to haul all our luggage. For the flights we made sure we had enough diapers and wipes for any changes while en route. We also brought pacifiers, bottles and formula, and a baby carrier (ergo). We checked the stroller at the gate and made sure that we had Ellie's suitcase as our carry on (with a couple changes of clothes for us). 

Ellie did great during take offs and landings as we chose to feed her a bottle during that time (on flight she actually fell asleep before takeoff so she had her pacifier instead). We were lucky that she didn't experience any ear pressure during all six flights! Our life saver was definitely the Ergo. Ellie was comfortable enough in it to sleep and I didn't feel like I had to "hold" her the whole time. Because of the ergo I was able to relax and maneuver my body how I needed to and have peace of mind that Ellie was safe. 

Since we we're having so many plane transfers and wanted to travel as "lightly" as we could we chose to rent a car seat from the car rental. It worked out great for us (after the confusion of trying to figure out how to install). I would highly recommend this option since those things are a pain to lug around. However, Europe has different safety standards and the car seat was only able to front face - not ideal, but it worked out great. 

After we ran out of our diaper and formula supplies we just bought extras while we were traveling. Easy peasy and it allowed for extra room for souvenirs. 

Eventhough we rented a car for most of the trip, we didn't have one in Dublin. So we used the bus and taxi's. Again the Ergo was great because I was just able to wear Ellie and buckle in no problem. 

Ellie was great in the car. She fell asleep whole driving and was an awesome trooper. We had lots of snacks, purchased souvenir books, and had toys to distract and sang songs when needed.  Although Ellie is no stranger to a car since we took a 6 hour road trip 4 days after she was born to bring her home. 

For us 13 months was the perfect age to take Ellie on a trip like this. 

I think another reason we had success is that we were willing to be adaptable to each situation and to have "go with the flow" attitudes. Our only big stress was making the plane transfer from Ireland to Scotland and girlfriend slept that whole flight!

Traveling with a toddler (or any child for that matter) will be as stressful as you make it. So if necessary knock back a few pints of Guinness and pretend that you got a full nights sleep!

♥ Ashley

do you have a toddler? Do you like this series as much as I do? I would love for you to contribute a guest post! Just leave me a comment or send me an email and I will get you scheduled!

Weekending

We had a fantastic weekend here on the farm!

On Friday I had my interview (fingers crossed) I should hear back sometime this week.  Then I met family at the Ram for dinner and we stopped by the mall play area on the way home. Ellie is a daredevil insisting on walking DOWN the slide and acts like she owns the place!!

Saturday was a pretty low key morning of coffee, Arthur on the tv, and cereal. Followed by some playing and then Ellie going down for a nap. While E was napping I tackled some farm chores (scooping horse poop) and harvesting some garden produce. 

Ellie's "Falltober" outfit on Saturday. 

After Ellie's nap we headed out to scope a new pumpkin patch for this years gathering (we found one) and then stopped by a farm stand to check it out. 

Can you believe all this was at a farm stand?! Needless to say Lu had a great time!

We picked up a few pumpkins from the farm stand: Cinderella (on the bottom) knucklehead (should be Drisella - on top) and a ghost pumpkin.  Then we stopped by one of my fave nursery's to pick up some BOGO mums. 

We got our porch partially decorated for fall.  It's happening slowly but surely. And then we made tacos for dinner. 

On Sunday we had another slow morning and then headed out to check out Goodwill and go out to lunch at Popeyes and stop by the Inlaws for a visit. 

Ellie's Sunday "Falltober" outfit. 

When we got home I started a soup (even made up the recipe myself!). Tried to get Ellie to nap (didn't happen) and played out with the goats!

I would say we had a great weekend and loved having Daddy home!

How was your weekend?

Ashley

Friday Five

I can't believe its Friday!!! It makes me so excited to know that Thomas will be home for the weekend this evening (after tennis)!!!

Ellie and I are having so much fun together during the day and working on different skills. I have brought out all her plates and have incorporated spoons into our meals. Slowly but surely she is getting the hang of it!

I decided that I'm going to do MOPs again this year and made it to their opening meeting this week. I had a chance to get dressed up and I love how my hair turned out!!

We have been celebrating "Falltober" the past few days with festive fall outfits for the little miss!

I think I will have to start making some scarves for Ellie because scarves + toddlers = love!! I think she liked it too!!

We have also been having fun going outside and enjoying the weather we have been blessed with this week! And Ellie cannot get enough goat time in her day!

And I have an interview today for a possible Nanny job! Hopefully this will be the right fit and I can help to contribute to our family!!

Ashley

Thankful Thursday - emails

So Sprint was having an awesome promotion going on this last week, where they were paying an additional $200 per phone upgrade. 

We couldn't pass it up (especially since I couldn't update phone anymore due to not enough storage available - 15.7gb used!!!). So we went in on Sunday and I handed over my iPhone 4S in exchange for an iPhone 5C with 32gb storage, a screen protector, and a car charger with $50 left over to apply to next months bill!!!  Coming out on top y'all. 

As with getting a new phone I had to re-setup my email - which meant I had 11,948 unread emails!! Argh, if your like me and can't stand those little red icons next to your apps it was daunting. It took me two days (ok not full days) to clear that mess up.  

But the awesome thing is - I got to go back in time, all the way to June 2009, and check out those old emails I for some reason cannot delete. 

I'm so glad I saved them because I ran across several emails from my mom - before she got sick! Of course I had to read them, they were super short since my mom avoided the internet like it was the plague. But it was so heart warming to read her words again. I miss her every day and am so thankful that technology has preserved these tidbits of hers!!

And also no post is complete without a picture. Please enjoy Ellie on day 2 of October!!

Oh how much my mom would love on her!!

Ashley

Wordless Wednesday

Happy October!!

♥ Ashley

Toddler Tuesday

Hey lovely ladies!

I am so pleased to be posting for my own series again this week!  I truly have learned so much from all you mamas out there who have posted on this topic. Since Ellie is a new toddler this topic is near and dear to my heart!

PS. The winner of Freshly Picked Moccs has been chosen! Was is you?

I thought I would talk a little bit about toddler meals and eating today. While I don't have a whole lot of experience on the subject I have learned a lot since girlfriend went mainly on solids. 

At first I made most of Ellie's first foods with the exception of rice cereal and fruits.  I just steamed the organic vegetables and then puréed them with my hand blender and strained them through a sieve when she was really little and then as she got more used to foods I skipped the straining part. 

Since Ellie has come off the formula we are more dependent on "solid" foods. Pouches are an awesome snack for her and many have several ingredients in them like amaranth or chia. Ellie loves these and it's a great way to get a mix of fruits, veggies, and grains in one simple pouch. 

I have a diverse pallet and am hoping that Ellie will too. I can help foster her love for different foods and textures by feeding her the same meals that Thomas and I eat. She definitely has preferences of things she likes and things she dislikes. Ellie loves veggies and most fruits (hold the tomatoes) and will gobble those options up first before going to dairy, grains or meats (her least favorite). 

For lunch she had grapes, pasta, fishy crackers and string cheese. You can bet the grapes were the first things she ate!

I am loving this stage of toddlerhood. But would love some advice on getting her to use utensils!! Let me know your tips and tricks in the comments section!!

♥ Ashley

Do you love this series? Do you have a toddler and advice or stories to tell? I would love to feature you on this series!! Just let me know in the comments below or send me an email and I will get you scheduled!!

Hey Friday Favorites!

TGIF!! Ellie and I are so excited that its Friday and we get to have Thomas (daddy) home for the weekend!! We have had a pretty eventful week.  We started  this morning with a bang. As we were getting ready Ellie decided to play on Sakari's dog bed and fell bumping her head on our bed frame - instant egg on her forehead.  She cried for a few minutes and then was back climbing all around on Sakari's bed again!! Girlfriend has NO FEAR.

{ O N E }

On Monday I gave you a tour of our farmhouse.  A lot has changed since we moved in 6 years ago and I am in love with my design style/taste right now.  I have totally embraced the vintage/country vibe.  While its not my ideal house I can live in it for now.  However, I finally got Thomas to agree to paint the exterior (next year) and need help finding the PERFECT dark grey color! So please tell me your favorites in the comments below!

{ T W O }

I am so loving the Toddler Tuesday series I have going on.  I am learning so much from my guest bloggers and love showcasing them here.  If you are interested in contributing a post about life with your toddler I would LOVE to have you! Just send me an email or comment below and I will get you on the schedule!

{ T H R E E }

I chose a winner for the Solly Baby Wrap.  Was it YOU??  You can also check your email to see if you won!

{ F O U R }

I mean toddlers in vests!

Old Navy is killing it right now with leopard toddler wear!!  I have so many things on my wishlist for Ellie right now, that if I wasn't unemployed they would be on their way to us via mail and cashback would be happening from Ebates too!! Plus you can save 25% on your online purchase today!


{ F I V E }

Infertility is a bitch, and I am pretty sure each of my readers knows at least one person who is battling it, whether or not they know it.  Join me in bringing awareness of this disease and being a source of support, comfort, and strength for those dealing with the devastation of infertility.


Happy Friday Y'all!

♥ Ashley

Thoughts for Thursday

You probably don't give it much thought. But I can assure you there are many women in your life that are fighting a disease. It slaps them in the face every month and every time they see or hear of someone becoming pregnant. I am the Face. You have a friend who is the Face. Maybe even you are the Face. The Face of Infertility. It debilitating and wreaks havoc on your emotions. Be kind. Be real. Be genuine. Be sensitive. Be understanding. Be supportive. 

Well another cycle bites the dust.  I've been struggling emotionally the past couple of days - as I'm sure any Infertility sufferer does when it gets close to period day. 

Ever since my first pregnancy/miscarriage (which was also an ectopic pregnancy requiring emergency surgery) back in December 2010, my cycle hasn't been the same. You would think that nearly 3 1/2 years later I would have it figured out but every month dear Aunt Flo plays a trick on me giving me the hope that maybe I just might be pregnant. 

Before my ectopic pregnancy my period would come on strong the first day and remain strong for the duration (usually 7 - 8 days) and then be gone. Since my ectopic surgery and subsequent removal of endometriosis they haven't been as consistent. I usually spot for three days (which always tricks me into thinking we've been successful) then on day four when I get the courage to try a HPT it comes out negative and there is a strong flow which lasts for two days and then is light for another 2-5 days. 

This cycle really had me. I was 2 days late some super light spotting and then BAM negative test and on comes the flow.  

Every month is devastating. It doesn't get any easier.  It just plain sucks.  

I'm praying for all my IF sisters and even those who are TTC.  I feel your pain. 

What Ellie Wore Wednesday

I used to be really into fashion and the latest trends. Looking back at pictures of some of te outfits I actually wore out of the house is a little embarrassing. But I worked in a mall and had unlimited access to shopping during my breaks throughout the day. 

Since quitting my days at the mall and becoming a teacher, my style has become more classic an less trendy and my affinity for shopping has diminished. Well at least for myself!

Ellie on the other hand is the most fun to shop for! There are so many cute options out there (and many I can afford!) and girlfriend has a ton of clothes!

This is an outfit that Ellie wore not too long ago and I love it!

Jeans: Carter's

Top: Crazy 8

Cardi: Gymboree

Headband: Sweet T Boutique on etsy

Shoes: Freshly Picked in Blush

Do you find it more fun shopping for your little than yourself too?

-Ashley

Toddler Tuesday - with Mande #2

Y'all I am so excited to have Mande on here again!! I loved what she shared last time!

also be sure to check out BOTH of my giveaways this month! #1 and #2

Hi again! It's Mande from Sweet Home Alabama! Mamma to 18-month old Parker, wifey to super scientist Max, and currently in the process of relocating from Scottsdale, Arizona to Huntsville, Alabama. I had the pleasure of guest blogging for the Toddler Tuesday series last month, telling about our experience with baby sign language. Thank you to Ashley for having me back again, this time talking about reading with your toddler!

As a former elementary school teacher, this subject is SO near and dear to my heart, and for so many reasons. First, being able to literally introduce reading to a fresh new being is the most amazing thing.  There's the sharing of the love of books, and all the bonding and cuddle time associated. There's the watching as your baby grows from a passive participant to an active one, turning pages, pointing to pictures and verbally naming them, and making connections between those images and the world around him. And of course, there are the incredible, wonderful, long-term and meaningful benefits of reading daily with your child from the start (just click here, here and here for articles confirming this).

How can you make reading a normal part of your daily routine? Here are the ways we've made reading a priority in our house...

1. Book Access
For every basket of toys, we have a corresponding basket of books. This has been the best way for us to store Parker's board books in a way that is easily accessible, both for us and for Parker. I liken it to veggies in the fridge - if they are front and center, you are more likely to grab for them, as opposed to having them hidden away in a bottom drawer. We keep the book baskets in the places we spend the most time - the den, our master bedroom and Parker's nursery. Since Parker can reach in and get the books, this system also fosters independence and autonomy. The basket system works wonderfully for sturdy board books, which we read almost exclusively since our little man is tough on his literature. Regular picture books might not hold up so well being tossed in a bin.

2. Consistency
Parker is always, always read to before naps and before bedtime. It's something he has just come to expect, and automatically selects books now when we enter his room at those times. Even if we are having a crazy busy day and haven't sat down to read yet, we will come his first nap. Once the routine is established, it's like having a standing appointment in your schedule and you'll be sure to get quality reading time each day. We even took it one step further, and we read the same exact book before lights out each night. We'll go through a few at bedtime, but the last one is always Goodnight Moon, and has been since Parker was three-months old.

3. Making it Fun
Sometimes Parker wants to run around like the crazy ball of energy he is, and he turns away if I hold up a book. Reading is not something I ever want to force; so when he wants to run around I run around with him. I really want reading to have positive associations for him. Other times, Parker will pick out a book on his own, bring it over to me, and will sit in my lap and want the same book read to him over and over and over. And over. He'll flip the last page, turn the book to the front again, and immediately begin signing "more." I try my best to go with what he's feeling, always making it happy and fun. Part of this is being "present" and an active participant in the reading process, pointing out colors, naming objects, asking questions, reading in voices... Parker also loves books with flaps that he gets to open and close, and song books, too.

4. We Turn Off the T.V.
Like, literally. If Parker is awake, the television is off. Simply not having this source of entertainment as an option (or tablets, phones, etc.) has both freed up more time for books and has made them Parker's top source of entertainment.

Happy reading, y'all

Wasn't this just the best!! I love reading with Ellie and its so fun to learn more about it from other moms!!

♥ Ashley